How To Reboot A Laptop? (2 Easy Methods To Restart)

Rebooting a laptop is a common troubleshooting step that can help resolve a variety of issues, from frozen programs to sluggish performance. In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to reboot your laptop, as well as tips for troubleshooting if the process doesn’t work.

To reboot your laptop, click on the Start menu in the bottom left corner of your screen and then click on the power icon. From the options that appear, select Restart. Your laptop will begin to shut down and reboot, which may take a few minutes to complete. Once the process is finished, you can log in and continue using your laptop as normal.

If the reboot process doesn’t work, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your laptop is plugged in and charging – a low battery can sometimes prevent a successful reboot. You can also try holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a hard shutdown, and then turn your laptop back on. If these steps don’t work, it may be time to seek professional help or consider a system reset.

Advantages Of Rebooting 

Rebooting a laptop has many advantages. It can help in improving the laptop’s overall performance and much more. 

It Enhances RAM Function 

The RAM is the volatile memory source of a computer that is frequently under pressure as it has to manage tasks and handle data at the same time. New files are always making their way in and out of the RAM. Rebooting the laptop eases the RAM and enhances its efficiency. 

It Overcomes Lagging Issue

You can also reboot the laptop if you come across errors and observe that the computer is lagging. Installing updates is a lot quicker when you do so after you reboot your laptop. 

2 Simple Methods To Reboot a Laptop With Windows 8/10

Method 1

Step 1 Move the cursor to the bottom left corner of the screen. You will see the taskbar pop up. 

Step 2 Click the Windows sign to open the Start Menu. 

Step 3 Move the cursor to the Power icon. This will open a smaller list. Select the last option from the list which says “Restart”. 

Check Out Our How To Factory Reset A Compaq Laptop?

Method 2

Step 1 Simultaneously press the Windows Key and X on the keyboard. 

Step 2 Select “Shut down or Sign out” and then select “Restart”. The computer will switch off, and it will turn back ON automatically after a few minutes.

Video Guide

4 Simple Steps To Reboot a Laptop With Windows 7/XP/Vista

Step 1 Close any files or programs that are open on the laptop. 

Step 2 After closing all the files and programs, go to the Start Menu from the taskbar. On the left side panel, you will see a button labeled “Shut down” with a small arrow next to it. 

Step 3 Hold the cursor on the side arrow to see a list of options. Navigate to the second last option in the list that says “Restart”. 

Step 4 The laptop will shut down and restart after some time. 

Reboot A Laptop with Ctrl + Alt + Del

Step 1 Find the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys on the keyboard of your laptop. 

Step 2 Hold them at the same time. These keys are a shortcut to open the shutdown dialogue box. 

Step 3 If you are using Windows 8/10, the screen will be grey. But in the case of Windows 7/XP/Vista, there will be a blue screen. Go to the left corner of the screen at the bottom and find the power button.

Step 4 Hover the cursor over it to display the list of options and select Restart from the list. The computer will reboot within minutes. 

Performing a Hard Reboot

Method 1

Step 1 Go to the taskbar and open the Start Menu. 

Step 2 You will find the power button on the right corner at the lower end of the menu. Hover the cursor over the power button to reveal the list of available options. 

Step 3 Browse to the option that says “Shut Down” and click it. The computer will Shut Down in a couple of minutes. 

Method 2

You can perform a hard reboot if your computer has frozen, and you are unable to click any button or perform any task. It is advisable not to make it a habit of performing a hard reboot frequently. 

Step 1 Hold down the laptop’s hardware power button until you see the computer screen goes blank, and all the lights also switch off. 

Step 2 Now wait for a couple of seconds and then press the power button. 

Step 3 Doing so will turn the computer ON again. 

This method is not advisable and you should only opt for it if nothing else seems to help. A hard reboot can cause your unsaved work to be lost. 

Read More: How To Enable Touchpad On Lenovo Laptop Windows 10?

How Often Should You Reboot Your Laptop

There is no fixed frequency or reboot routine that one can rely on when it comes to how often you should reboot your laptop. Some people make it a habit to reboot their laptops every once in a while. This has a positive impact on the performance of the computer and indeed enhances its functioning. 

However, even if you do not reboot your laptop, it’s okay. This will not cause any problem or harm to your PC in any way. There are times when the computer itself sends a notification asking for a restart. In this case, it is vital that you reboot the computer because not doing so can cause some issues. 

Difference Between Reboot and Reset

Many people are under the impression that reboot and reset are two terms that refer to the same thing. In reality, rebooting and resetting a laptop are two entirely different things.

Rebooting a laptop is the same as restarting it. When a computer is restarted, the programs and files that are in the RAM are removed, and the RAM gets a fresh, clean start. After rebooting, when the computer is turned ON, all the data and files are still intact. 

However, when you reset your laptop, the data and files stored on the computer are also erased. After you reset your laptop and switch it ON, you will notice that you have lost all the data and files. The laptop will return to the state it was in when you first purchased it. 

Conclusion

So yes this was all about rebooting a laptop. Keep in mind that you can reboot the laptop as many times as you like because it does not have any serious impact. But a laptop should be reset only if you wish to give it a fresh start and wipe it out completely. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)